Radar Detector ?

[1100XX]

Which is the prefered brand/model for long distance motorcycle use. Escort 9500i or Valentine One ?
Also, where can I buy a mount for the RD online ?
Thanks, John

[Rogue]

I've been using Escort's 8500 X50 for years.  It works.  It can take a beating too.  

I've read that the Adaptiv Radar detector is better suited for motorcycle applications.  They even offer a wireless setup for your helmet.  There is nothing like a wireless set up.  In my experience, a radar detector needs to be first and foremost, audible.  Then visual.  Both is ideal.  But you must hear it and hear it well.  

[torags v2]

I've had the V1 for years. the arrows are great

[1100XX]

Thanks for the info on the TPX by Adaptiv Tech. It looks like it might be my new first choice. Does anyone have any pros/cons with the TPX RD ? Thanks!

[thetable]

Radar Roy did a review on it here: http://www.radarroy.com/2008/03/motorcycle-radar-detector-redefined-the-tpx-system/

I looked long and hard at that system, but alas, I have a V1 that isn't getting much use in my Van, so it will be getting boxed and hooked up to a Vizalert display.  Having had the arrows, I'm not sure I want to go without them.

[Rogue]

My problem with visual alerts is, in order to see them, it means taking your eyes off the road.

In my experience, the amount of time you have to look at the alert is a second, maybe two at most.  That's not really enough time to figure out how far or close the bogey is.  Although I can see how the arrows would help.  

With the Escort, they have a bar graph that tells you their distance to you.  In addition, the sound gets louder and louder as they get closer.  It also has distinctive sounds you can differentiate so you know what band the bogey is using.  For example, if I get an K-band alert in the freeway, I know it's not the CHP because none of them use that band.  On the other hand if I get a ka-band alert on Hwy 33, I know with 99% certainty that it is going to be a CHP.  The radar detector is a wonderful tool.  Kind of like having a Wild Weasel riding out front (just without the missiles)!  

[1100XX]

I can't make up my mind on which RD to purchase. I know that I'm going with an adjustable/telescopic control mount, and a Powerlet socket/cable mounted somewhere near the dash, but its between the Escort 9500ix, the Valentine 1, or the Adaptiv TPX.

[Rogue]

Simply because Adaptive Technologies designs theirs for motorcyclists and motorycle mounting, I would go with them.  Motorcyclist magazine road tested their equipment and they gave them high marks.

I will say this, they may all look and function the same, but the few motorcycle-specific features do make a BIG difference in rider convenience.  I'm talking about big, clear LED readout located ABOVE the unit, the big buttons, the wireless audible alert, etc.

[tjhess74]

i just installed the adaptiv unit. it is absolutely phenominal!

i have the visual alert leds mounted above the ip and the wireless headset unit.  both of these are controlled by the main unit-brightness and volume.

its very easy to use and install, although the price can be a big pill to swallow.  the weather resistance makes it worthwhile however.

the only thing i can find so far that i would change, is that the backlit buttons (cobalt blue) are pretty bright at night and are all or nothing.  you can turn them off, but you cant dim them.

make sure you buy a mount for it, otherwise youll have nothing to attach it to. the base of the unit is built in to be slid into one of the mounts that they sell.  i got the regular $20 mount because i already have a techmount that ill put it on.

if youre thinking about getting this unit, or spending 2 or 3 hundred on an escort or valentine, do yourself a favor and get this one!

[weidauer]

I've had the Adaptiv TPX for about a year. Like the Garmin Zumo, it's designed for a bike, and has big buttons and waterproofing. That's good to know when the weather gets bad. And no worries wearing gloves. I have the LED visual alert, which was great while it worked. For some reason it crapped out a couple of months ago, so I just have the audio alert for now.

Definitely get the right mount for it; I use a RAM mount and it works great. It pops right off when I get off the bike, too. I have no doubt that it's paid for itself a couple of times over with the advance warnings. Other than the crappy LED, I'm a big fan.

[tjhess74]

weid, thanks for the heads up about the leds going bad.  now im going to seal it better with some silicon. hopefully that will keep it lasting.

[DR1300R]

On my Busa I run a 8500 X50 that is hard wired and sits on a tech mount.. Then I have a Screamer (speaker) hooked up that is hard wired as well.. Trust me the screamer is the best set up I have found no muss no fuss with wires or anything..

link to the screamer it can be heard well  above 80mph with full face helmet with no problems..

http://www.radarbusters.com/motorcycle-radar-detectors/motorcycle-accessories/motorcycleradarscreamer.cfm

[Bounce]

I looked long and hard at that system, but alas, I have a V1 that isn't getting much use in my Van, so it will be getting boxed and hooked up to a Vizalert display.  Having had the arrows, I'm not sure I want to go without them.

trust me. you don't. a random ping doesn't tell me enough to know if i should be concerned or can ignore it. as for some other concerns.

1. Visual alerts - remote display right in your line of site with your other instruments.
2. Only seconds to respond - maybe with your detector but I find that the V1 consistently gives me a lot of time to figure things out unless it's instant on. Instant on tends to be near higher trafficed areas just like Lidar. Rabits work well to trigger speed traps.

[Squareman357]

trust me. you don't. a random ping doesn't tell me enough to know if i should be concerned or can ignore it. as for some other concerns.

1. Visual alerts - remote display right in your line of site with your other instruments.
2. Only seconds to respond - maybe with your detector but I find that the V1 consistently gives me a lot of time to figure things out unless it's instant on. Instant on tends to be near higher trafficed areas just like Lidar. Rabits work well to trigger speed traps.

That's been my experience with my V1.  My original was stolen (my dumbass left it on the window for 5 minute run into Best Buy during the Holiday season in '07) and I couldn't wait to replace it.  Ran with a few other detectors for about a year before I finally did.   V1 picks up even minor bursts of radar for quite some distance.  I find myself slowing to sub light when I get a blip, and riding for a few minutes before I finally see the revenue collector a few miles later as the V1 ramps up the strength level to max.  Very few falses, so I listen when it talks and 9 times out of 10 the bogeys are legit.

[PSO]

I have Escort 8500. My V1 was stolen, so I replaced it with this cheaper model. I do miss the V1 arrows, however I like the numeric voltage readout on the Escort. I also like the ease of connecting the sound to my audio system in helmet from Escort. I would need to purchase extra part for a V1. The friend I ride with has a V1 and we have not noticed any difference in our getting X and K band signals, he is just able to say from which direction they are coming. Sometimes it seems as if I am able to get laser a little sooner than he does but by that time it is often too late. No regrets and if I needed to relace the Escort, I would get another one.

[2wTraveler]

Being on a budget, I use a Cobra radar/laser detector that has paid for itself many times over. Although a V1 would be nice!

[Bounce]

yes it would be.